The municipality received support from FEMA and the National Park Service to work on a hiking and recreational opportunities project

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supports the municipality of Ciales in developing opportunities that promote ecotourism, highlight natural and historic resources, and connect outdoor recreational spaces. The agency has facilitated the assistance of several federal entities, such as the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, in the process of the town’s recovery.

FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) has served as a liaison between the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service (NPS-RTCA), Ciales and other entities to manage a project consisting of a system of green areas and trails that will connect rural and urban zones.

After gathering input from community members, non-profit organizations, government entities and universities, the NPS-RTCA is currently assisting the city in developing a plan and design for the trail system.

“Through this initiative, we reaffirm the agency’s commitment to promoting the resilience of urban spaces. The assistance allowed us to identify strategies to mitigate and maximize the use of natural areas, while expanding the recreational offerings available to residents and visitors,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José Baquero.

Some of the places that the municipality of Ciales wants to connect through the trails system include the karstic area, facilities of the Grande de Manatí River basin, and historic places such as the urban center, the Mata de Plátano Bridge and the Juan A. Corretjer Walkway. The former received over $53,000 from FEMA to replace concrete, posts, lighting and signs for bikers and pedestrians. 

Arlene Pagán Rivera, a merchant whose business is located in the walkway, mentioned that this type of reconstruction initiatives centered in nature and sports, “are important because Ciales has a lot to show: It has caves, bodies of water, it has history, it has indigenous sites and it highlights everything that the town has, from coffee, places to visit, interesting places, many things.”

Likewise, NPS-RTCA’s Outdoor Recreation planner and project lead, Natalia Sánchez, highlighted that, “this project is important to Ciales because it will enhance the conservation of the municipality’s natural and cultural resources and, at the same time, promote outdoor recreation and connectivity amongst all its community residents. By creating a network of trails and green spaces that connect the Grande de Manatí River with the town’s urban center and the Juan A. Corretjer Walkway, Ciales can become the future gateway to the karstic region, one of Puerto Rico’s treasures.”

Meanwhile, the mayor of the municipality, Alexander Burgos Otero, invited the people to visit Ciales’s website and to access a survey where they can share what attractions they want within this project. He also said that “this is one of the emblematic projects” because it deals with “the economic development of our town, by establishing a collaborative agreement with National Park Service and working with what will be the reconstruction and the spearhead of our town’s tourism.”

Furthermore, the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said that “this is the result of teamwork between government agencies, the municipality, nonprofit organizations and the communities. Taking into consideration the residents’ opinion in this project’s design was key because they are the ones who know the potential of the area to be developed. Without a doubt, this work will propel the economic development of the area because it will be of great interest to nature lovers. For our part, in COR3 we will continue supporting the development of this project until its completion, following applicable laws and regulations.”

To date, FEMA has awarded over $30.9 billion for nearly 10,800 Public Assistance projects that will address the reconstruction of a more resilient Puerto Rico. Over $17.7 million of these funds correspond to the municipality of Ciales for the recovery of its town. 

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery,  visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional administrator authorized the use of federal funds on Aug. 9 to assist the state of Hawaii to combat the Mauna Kea Beach Fire burning in Hawaii County.

On Aug. 9, the state of Hawaii submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 100 homes in and around Mauna Kea Beach, with mandatory evacuations for approximately 100 people. The fire also threatened local businesses, electrical transmission lines and telecommunications lines in the area. 

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become a greater incident.

Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional administrator authorized the use of federal funds on Aug. 9 to assist the state of Hawaii to combat the Pulehu Fire burning in Maui County.

On Aug. 9, the state of Hawaii submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 375 homes in and around Kihei, with mandatory evacuations in place for approximately 750 people. The fire also threatened local businesses, electrical transmission lines and telecommunications lines in the area.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become a greater incident.

Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the territory of Guam to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Typhoon Mawar from May 22-29, 2023. 

The President authorized the federal cost-share for the major disaster declaration to be increased from 75% to 90%. The major disaster declaration made federal funding available for Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance for the total eligible costs.          

If you live in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham or Windsor counties and were affected by the July severe storms and received initial rental assistance from FEMA you may be eligible for continued rental assistance. 

To be eligible to apply, survivors must meet the following conditions:

• They were awarded initial rental assistance and used it as intended. The initial award covers two months. 
• They are unable to return to their pre-disaster residence because it is uninhabitable, cannot be accessed or is not available due to the July severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.
• They cannot pay for housing without assistance.
• They are not receiving temporary housing help from any other source.
• They are developing a longer-term or permanent housing plan or can demonstrate progress toward one.

Survivors applying for continued assistance must complete an Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. The Application is automatically sent approximately two weeks after the initial Rental Assistance award is approved.  To request the Continued Temporary Housing Assistance Request form, for questions about the Continued Temporary Housing Assistance, or help to complete the application call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Applicants should submit the following documents with the completed application:

• Pre- and post-disaster income for household members 18 and older.
• Proof of pre-disaster housing costs (copy of lease and utility bills, renter’s insurance, mortgage statements, real estate taxes, home insurance, etc.)  
• Proof of post-disaster housing costs (copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by the applicant and the landlord).
  • Upload them to their disaster account at DisasterAssistance.gov.

The application form and supporting documents should be returned to FEMA in one of the following ways:

• Mail them to FEMA, PO Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.
• Fax them to 800-827-8112.

FEMA will evaluate the request to determine if the applicant is eligible. It is important for applicants to keep FEMA updated with their contact information and housing status.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.  Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

For the latest information about Vermont’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4720. Follow the FEMA Region 1 account at Twitter twitter.com/FEMARegion1 or the FEMA Facebook page at facebook.com/FEMA. 

Follow the Vermont Emergency Management Agency on Twitter at twitter.com/vemvt and on Facebook at facebook.com/VermontEmergencyManagement.

Disaster Recovery Centers will open at 8 a.m. Aug. 10 in Johnson (Lamoille County) and Danville (Caledonia County) to help Vermont residents affected by the July severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides. The joint recovery center, a temporary facility established in partnership between the town, the state of Vermont and FEMA, will help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents and answer questions in person.

Regular hours for all recovery centers: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

The Lamoille County center is located at:

Northern VT University -- McClelland Hall
131 College Hill Road
Johnson, VT 05656

The Caledonia County center is located at:

Danville School
148 Peacham Road
Danville, VT 05828

Other centers are already open at:

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

ASA Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row, Suite 330
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Barton Memorial Building
17 Village Square 
Barton, VT 05822

Springfield Health Center
100 River St. 
Springfield, VT 05156

• The Springfield center will close temporarily at 5 p.m. Aug. 10; it will reopen at 1 p.m. Aug. 12.

Jamaica Fire Department 
4017 VT-30
Jamaica, VT 05343

FEMA relocates Disaster Recovery Centers based on where they are needed most. FEMA works closely with state and municipal partners in determining those sites. Once a location begins to see a significant drop in registration visits, FEMA and the state coordinate new locations where the center may receive more traffic from those in need of assistance.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish). 

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be at the center to explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits, and provide information about rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

You don’t need to visit a DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Sept. 12, 2023.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.  Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

A Disaster Recovery Center will open at 8 a.m. Aug. 9 in Jamaica (Windham County) to help Vermont residents affected by the July severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides. The joint recovery center, a temporary facility established in partnership between the town, the state of Vermont and FEMA, will help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents and answer questions in person.

Regular hours for all recovery centers: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

The Windham County center is located at:

Jamaica Fire Department
4017 VT-30
Jamaica, VT 05343

Other centers are already open at:

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

ASA Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row, Suite 330
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Barton Memorial Building
17 Village Square 
Barton, VT 05822

Springfield Health Center
100 River St. 
Springfield, VT 05156

• The Springfield center will close temporarily at 5 p.m. Aug. 10; it will reopen at 1 p.m. Aug. 12.

FEMA relocates Disaster Recovery Centers based on where they are needed most. FEMA works closely with state and municipal partners in determining those sites. Once a location begins to see a significant drop in registration visits, FEMA and the state coordinate new locations where the center may receive more traffic from those in need of assistance.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish). 

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be at the center to explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits, and provide information about rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

You don’t need to visit a DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Sept. 12, 2023.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.  Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

The Disaster Recovery Center in Springfield will close temporarily at 5 p.m. Aug. 10. It will reopen at 1 p.m. Aug.12; it will then continue to be open regular hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The joint recovery center, a temporary facility established in partnership between the town, the state of Vermont and FEMA, will help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents and answer questions in person.

The Springfield center is located at:

Springfield Health Center
100 River Street
Springfield, VT 05156

Other recovery centers remain open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily:

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

ASA Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row, Suite 330
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Barton Memorial Building
17 Village Square 
Barton, VT 05822

Jamaica Fire Department

4017 VT-30
Jamaica, VT 05343

FEMA relocates Disaster Recovery Centers based on where they are needed most. FEMA works closely with state and municipal partners in determining those sites. Once a location begins to see a significant drop in registration visits, FEMA works with the state to move them to where they may receive more traffic from those in need of assistance.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish). 

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be at the center to explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits, and provide information about rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

You don’t need to visit a DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Sept. 12, 2023.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

SANTA FE, New Mexico – FEMA announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional funds available for the state of New Mexico to help local communities in Los Alamos and Sandoval counties recover from the 2022 Cerro Pelado Fire.

The state of New Mexico received a major disaster declaration on May 4, 2022, following the wildfires, straight-line winds, flooding, mudflows and debris flows that occurred from April 5 to July 23, 2022.

Under the President's order, federal funds for FEMA’s Public Assistance program, including direct federal assistance, have been increased to 100 percent of the total eligible costs.

The additional funds will help to cover costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, equipment, utilities, parks and other projects needed to recover from the fire.

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional administrator authorized the use of federal funds on Aug. 9 to assist the state of Hawaii to combat the Lahaina Fire burning in Maui County.

On Aug. 9, the state of Hawaii submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened an unknown number of homes in and around Lahaina, with mandatory evacuations for approximately 7,500 people. The fire also threatened local businesses, electrical transmission lines and telecommunications lines in the area.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become a greater incident.

Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional administrator authorized the use of federal funds on Aug. 8 to assist the state of Hawaii to combat the Kohala Ranch Fire burning in Hawaii County.

On Aug. 8, the state of Hawaii submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 200 homes in and around Kohala Ranch, with evacuations taking place for approximately 500 people. The fire also threatened a volunteer fire department, local transmission lines and an AT&T cell tower in the area.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become a greater incident.

Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of New Mexico to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires, straight-line winds, flooding, mudflows and debris flows from April 5 to July 23, 2022.

The President authorized the federal cost-share for emergency protective measures to be increased to 100%. The major disaster declaration made federal funding available for public assistance, including direct federal assistance, for projects undertaken in response to the Cerro Pelado Fire in Los Alamos and Sandoval counties.    

CHICAGO – August 15, 2023, at 1 pm CT, FEMA and the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will be co-hosting a free webinar on Extreme Heat and the Impacts on Mental Health. Focused on mental health impacts of extreme heat, especially on those who are at greatest risk, the hour-long webinar will offer preparedness tips, best community engagement practices and lessons learned from non-governmental organizations on reducing impacts of extreme heat.

“When we understand the risks we face, we are best positioned to protect against them,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “Extreme heat is a reality for our Great Lakes region—each of us has a role to play to stay safe and mitigate the threats to ourselves, our neighborhoods and the communities we call home.”

The webinar is part of a series for state, local, tribal, territorial and nonprofit partners and stakeholders on the impacts of extreme heat. To register for this free webinar, visit Extreme Heat and the Impacts on Mental Health Registration Page. This webinar will offer captioning services. For questions or additional information, contact: partnerships@fema.dhs.gov.

Throughout the summer, FEMA Region 5 has been encouraging everyone to get #SummerReady and take low- or no-cost steps to be ready and stay safe when temperatures climb. In late June, for the first time in FEMA history, the agency announced its #SummerReady" campaign to help promote preparedness and resilience against extreme heat events throughout the summer. Additionally, FEMA Region 5 recently hosted an Extreme Heat Summit in Chicago that brought together subject matter experts to share experiences and best practices when confronting extreme heat events. To learn more about extreme heat preparedness, visit FEMA’s official #SummerReady website.  

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FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – As peak activity in the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, FEMA and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency urge Virgin Islanders to review and update preparedness plans. Take immediate steps to prepare yourself and loved ones. Replenish your emergency preparedness kit, practice your emergency communications plan and stay alert.

The peak of Atlantic hurricane season is Sept. 10, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Do not wait to prepare yourself for a hurricane when a storm forms in the Atlantic and stores fill with shoppers looking to purchase emergency supplies.

“Being well prepared, staying vigilant and practicing your emergency plans will reduce your anxiety if a storm approaches the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said FEMA Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office Coordinator Mark A. Walters. “We urge Virgin Islanders to get a head start on preparedness and share information on readiness for disasters with their families and neighbors.”

You should prepare to be self-sufficient in the immediate aftermath of a tropical storm or hurricane and take steps to prepare your home or business. Those with disabilities and others with access and functional needs might have additional considerations.

According to VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, “When it comes to tropical cyclones / hurricanes, conditions change rapidly and with those changes, the amount of time we think we still have for final preparation is often reduced. Over the past several years, tropical cyclones continue to demonstrate rapid intensification over a period of 24-48 hours.” 

“Every tropical cyclone during this peak period has the potential of being a life-threatening event to our community. Get yourself, your family, and your pets to a safe area EARLY, to ride out the passing of the storm,” said Jaschen. “If a hurricane is forecast to pass through or near the island where you are staying, anticipate and prepare for no power or communications to our homes for a prolonged period. Help will be on the way, but overcoming time and distance will be our major challenge. Until then, support your neighbors and work together. Continue to be VI Strong.”

There are steps you can take right now to ensure you and your household are better prepared for peak activity this hurricane season:

Build a survival kit. Families should be prepared to shelter in a secure and safe location for several days after a disaster when roads might be impassable, gas stations and grocery stores closed, power off and communications uncertain.

• Store water for drinking and sanitation, food, medications, a first-aid kit and hygiene products.
• Store supplies to meet the needs of individual family members, including infants and young children, seniors, people with disabilities, and pets or service animals. 
• Protect documents such as vital records, insurance policies, medical information, property and financial records, by storing copies in a safe deposit box or another location separate from your house. These may be necessary for survivors who could be eligible to apply for disaster assistance.

Make a Family Communications Plan. Choose an out-of-town friend or relative as a point of contact. Make sure children have emergency contacts memorized or saved in a secure place. Determine a safe, familiar place the family can go for protection or to reunite. Ensure the location is in a central and accessible location for all family members, including family members with disabilities. If you have pets or service animals, make sure the location is 
animal-friendly. For more information on making a family communication plan go to Make a Plan . 

Stay Informed. Listen to local official bulletins for the most up-to-date information before, during and after a disaster. It’s a good idea to have a battery or solar-powered radio to receive disaster notices and updates. Sign up for Alert VI  to receive real-time notifications for emergencies in the U.S. Virgin Islands at VITEMA - Public - Sign In (everbridge.net) . Weather updates and instructions might also be found on the National Weather Service’s San Juan Puerto Rico Facebook page.

Find more information on how to prepare at www.ready.gov/hurricanes and Hurricanes (vi.gov) .

Additional Considerations for People with Disabilities or Access and Functional Needs

People with disabilities or access and functional needs should follow the above general instructions and consider the following additional actions:

• Create a support network. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kit. 
• Inform your support network of your emergency plan, your needs and how to communicate during an emergency. 
• If you use durable medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your health care provider about how you can prepare for a power outage. 
• If you are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or have a speech disability, make sure your emergency information includes the best way to effectively communicate with you. 
• Find more information about preparedness for people with disabilities at www.ready.gov/disability .
• Sign up for the Elder, Dependent Adult and Disable Person Disaster Registry at To: (gov.vi) from the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services. Registration forms can be picked up at the Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Virgin Islands Elections Systems or Human Services offices. 

Harden and Protect Your Property

Virgin Islanders should also take steps to protect their homes:

• Prepare to store anything from your property that could be picked up by hurricane winds and turned into a harmful object. 
• Trim trees to remove dead limbs and secure rain gutters and downspouts. 
• Make sure porches, decks or sheds are sound and firmly attached. 
• Fasten down roofs with hurricane straps or clips and install strong bolts at the top and bottom of exterior doors. Buy or make storm shutters for windows.

Keep your home and vehicle insured against wind and flood damage. Also, remember to update your property insurance to cover current construction costs and be aware that a property insurance policy does not typically offer coverage for flood damage. For more information about getting flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov . 

Learn more about strengthening your home from hazards storms pose from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) at Resilience – #HurricaneStrong.

SANTA FE, N.M. - The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office recently announced its partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The partnehip offers landowners the opportunity to request a NRCS Conservation Restoration Plan for their property, tailored to recovering from the Hermrsit’s Peak Calf/Canyon Fire and subsequent floods. The NRCS will provide the plans will to claimants at no charge and can be utilized by the Claims Office to streamline the review process. Any landowner with impacts to their property as a result of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire or subsequent flooding is eligible to receive a NRCS plan under this partnership.

“It is important that claimants understand that the NRCS Conservation Restoration Plans are compensated as a Partial Payment” said Claims Office Director Angela Gladwell. “We are committed to developing and sustaining a claimant-centric approach in processing NRCS plans”. Director Gladwell also reiterated, “The Claims Office is committed to ensuring that claimants have access to compensation and the recovery that best meets their needs” 

The Claims Office has published a Fact Sheet on its partnership with the NRCS to help clarify any questions a claimant may have. The Office also encourages claimants to reach out to their Navigators or visit one of the local claims offices to get answers to questions. 

Mora Claims Office
Mora County Courthouse 
1 Courthouse Drive 
Mora, NM 87732

Las Vegas Claims Office 
216 Mills Avenue 
Las Vegas, NM 87701 (In Mills Plaza)

Santa Fe Claims Office
1711 Llano Street, Suite E
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(Next to Mucho Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe)

If you live in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham or Windsor counties and were affected by the July severe storms, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. 

FEMA assistance is intended to kickstart your recovery. It may include grants to cover lodging while you’re displaced, repairs to make your home habitable, and other disaster-related needs such as replacing essential household items, childcare, medical, dental and funeral expenses.

If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance, so the agency needs to see what your insurance covers in order to process your application.

FEMA may refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to apply for a long term, low interest disaster loan. Once FEMA refers you, you should submit the application as soon as possible. SBA loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for survivors – and applying for an SBA loan also allows FEMA to consider you for other types of assistance. It’s free to apply, and you don’t have to accept the loan if you’re approved.

If you reported damage to your home, FEMA will call you to set up a home inspection. Staff may call from an unknown or restricted number – it’s important to pick up to schedule the inspection. The inspector will only visit when you, your co-applicant, or another person you designate in writing is present.

You will receive a letter from FEMA either by mail or email, based on the preference you indicated when you applied. The letter will explain whether FEMA has found you eligible for assistance, how much, and how the assistance must be used.

If your letter says you’re ineligible, it does not mean you’re denied. The letter will explain how to appeal the decision if you do not agree with it. For an overview of the appeal process, visit How Do I Appeal the Final Decision? | FEMA.gov.

For in-person help with any step of this process, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, where specialists from FEMA and the SBA can answer questions, help submit documents and guide you through the appeals process. Centers are open in impacted areas across the state – to find one near you, visit fema.gov/drc.

If you are feeling emotional distress, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Disaster Distress Helpline is available at 800-985-5990. This toll-free, multilingual crisis support service is open 24/7, operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. American Sign Language users can contact the helpline through videophone at 800-985-5990, or by selecting the “ASL Now” option on the website at DisasterDistress.samhsa.gov.

To apply for assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Language translation is available; if you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.  Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

This fact sheet can be found online at What to Expect After You Apply for FEMA Assistance | FEMA.gov.

For the latest information about Vermont’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4720. Follow the FEMA Region 1 account at Twitter twitter.com/FEMARegion1 or the FEMA Facebook page at facebook.com/FEMA.

Follow the Vermont Emergency Management Agency on Twitter at twitter.com/vemvt and on Facebook at facebook.com/VermontEmergencyManagement.

SANTA FE, N.M. - The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office has paid Claimants over $14 million as of early this week. Of that, nearly $11 Million has been distributed within the past week alone, and payments are increasing on a daily basis. 

“This funding will begin to provide the needed relief that our claimants have been patiently waiting for.” said Claims Office Director Angela Gladwell. “We are committed to following a claimant-centric approach, and getting claimants compensated as quicky and easily as possible is at the forefront of that approach.” Director Gladwell continued by stating, “The focus of the Claims Office is to ensure all claimants receive full compensation under the law.”

Recent partnerships with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are serving as catalysts to help claimants recover and get the resources they need. Partnerships like those with the NRCS and NFIP will help residents and landowners who need to take immediate action to expedite their recovery process. To date, the Claims Office has paid for and put into place 56 Flood insurances policies for claimants. The Claims Office also continues to work with the NRCS to provide Conservation Restoration Plans to claimants at no charge.

The Claims Office encourages all those who were impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding to take advantage of such partnerships by submitting a Notice of Loss. 

Notice of Loss forms can be submited via email at fema-hermits-peak@fema.dhs.gov, or by mail to FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office, or by visiting one of our three Claims Offices listed below. Claims Offices are open Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mora Claims Office
Mora County Courthouse 
1 Courthouse Drive 
Mora, NM 87732

Las Vegas Claims Office 
216 Mills Avenue 
Las Vegas, NM 87701 (In Mills Plaza)

Santa Fe Claims Office
1711 Llano Street, Suite E
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(Next to Mucho Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe)

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced the availability of $374.9 million in grant funding for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). State and local governments face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats to their critical infrastructure and public safety. Now in its second year, the SLCGP is a first-of-its-kind cybersecurity grant program specifically for state, local and territorial (SLT) governments across the country to help them strengthen their cyber resilience. Established by the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, and part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the SLCGP provides $1 billion in funding over four years to support state, local and territorial governments as they develop capabilities to detect, protect against and respond to cyber threats. This year’s funding allotment represents a significant increase from the $185 million allotted in FY22, demonstrating the Administration and Congress’s commitment to helping improve the cybersecurity of communities across the nation.   

“In today’s threat environment, any locality is vulnerable to a devastating cyber attack targeted at a hospital, school, water or other system,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The Department of Homeland Security is helping to ensure that every community, regardless of size, funding, or resources, can meet these threats and keep their residents and their critical infrastructure safe and secure. These cybersecurity grants will help state, local and territorial governments do just that, and I strongly urge communities across the country to submit an application.”  

SLCGP is jointly administered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). CISA provides expertise and guidance on cybersecurity issues while FEMA manages the grant award and allocation process. Award recipients may use funding for a wide range of cybersecurity improvements and capabilities, including cybersecurity planning and exercising, hiring cyber personnel and improving the services that citizens rely on daily. 

 “State and local governments are facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats to their critical infrastructure and public safety,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “As the nation’s Cyber Defense Agency, CISA is pleased to make available yet another tool to that will help strengthen cyber defenses for communities across the nation and bolster our collective cybersecurity.”    

“Building resilience requires more than mitigating against natural hazards,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “As our threat landscape continues to evolve, the funding provided through the state, local and territorial cybersecurity grant program will increase capability to help communities better prepare and reduce cyber risks.”  

State and local governments have until Oct. 6, 2023 to apply for this FY23 grant opportunity. For more information and helpful resources on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, visit CISA’s webpage.

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Residents of the town of San Lorenzo and its neighboring communities can now rely on the services provided by the Corporation for Health Services and Advanced Medicine (COSSMA, in Spanish), following the reconstruction of its facilities with funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damage caused by Hurricane María.

An award of about $6 million supported the demolition and reconstruction of the building, which already provides primary health services to around 3,000 people per month. The former structure was flooded due to the storm, which destroyed it and made it impossible to receive employees and care for their patients.

“The COSSMA team is part of the first responders who cared for Hurricane María survivors in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. This completed project demonstrates how we can rebuild facilities to strengthen them for other disasters so that medical personnel do not face similar challenges in the future when serving communities,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José Baquero.

COSSMA San Lorenzo has about 50 employees and offers medical services for adults, pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics; mental health, oral health, vaccination, laboratory and pharmacy; and other support services such as HIV prevention, case management of chronic conditions, nutrition and health promotion.

The outpatient center began its services in San Lorenzo in the early 2000s. By 2017, the administration had just begun their expansion process, when Hurricane María hit.

COSSMA San Lorenzo’s clinic director, Soquiliz Rivera, explained that the facilities were destroyed after the storm. However, the clinic staff continued to offer services to the community in temporary facilities such as tents, trailers and rented clinics. “We learned that the structure was an important aspect, but it was not everything. The essence of each employee, of being able to serve, always remained, even if it was in a different way. United colleagues who, regardless of the fact that the clinic was not in the same condition as before, were willing to serve,” Rivera said.

FEMA’s allocation allowed the demolition of the facility in 2018. It also allowed its reconstruction following building codes, to make the best use of the space and to strengthen their services. The agency’s funds included mitigation measures to prevent leaks and to reinforce the air conditioners in the event of high winds.

The new building began offering services in 2022. Rivera added that, after Hurricane Fiona, the new center did not have any leakage problems and was able to reopen its facilities the following day without any setbacks. 

COSSMA’s executive director, Norma Antomattei, said that “after the devastating passage of Hurricane María, COSSMA's infrastructure in San Lorenzo suffered severe damage that resulted in its demolition. However, the tenacity, commitment and professionalism of the COSSMA Board of Directors and staff, added to the valuable support of our patients and the San Lorenzo community, allowed us to maintain the continuity of our services, despite the impact of the hurricane and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic”.

For his part, the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency, Manuel Laboy Rivera, said that “I acknowledge the diligence of COSSMA’s leadership in the development of this important health center that offers services to patients in San Lorenzo and neighboring towns. I reiterate the commitment of COR3’s team to support in technical matters of the reconstruction works in other projects of health centers from nonprofit organizations like COSSMA, as well as municipal, because they are the first aid during emergencies, but they also promote the preventive care of patients.”

To date, FEMA has awarded over $30.8 billion for nearly 10,800 Public Assistance projects to address the reconstruction of a more resilient Puerto Rico. 

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery,  visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

Once Typhoon Mawar survivors register for assistance, FEMA is required to verify losses to determine if they are eligible for the disaster assistance. 

FEMA’s standard loss verification method is an on-site inspection by a FEMA inspector. If you cannot meet the inspector at your home, you have the option to write to FEMA to authorize a third party, such as a family member, neighbor or landlord, to attend the inspection on your behalf. This is especially helpful if you are currently away from the island, but your family members or friends can act on your behalf.

How to Request Third-Party Inspection 

A FEMA on-site inspection usually takes place within two weeks after you register for disaster assistance. 

Inspectors will only meet with the applicant, co-applicant, or a designated third party to perform an inspection. 

Federal privacy laws require FEMA to get permission from you in writing before sharing your information with anyone else. If you want to authorize a third party to meet with the inspector, FEMA will require a Written Consent letter, a completed Authorization for the Release of Information Under the Privacy Act form, or a Power of Attorney, Guardianship, or Conservatorship document from you. You can call FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or write to FEMA to obtain related documents. 

• You should provide the information of the third party, including the name of the third party and the valid phone number, and you need to verify in the Written Consent that the inspector will be able to gain entry to the damaged dwelling. 
• The third party must be over the age of 18 to attend the inspection on your behalf.
• This authorizes a third-party representative approved by you to meet with the inspector and answer any necessary questions as part of the inspection. 

You can write to FEMA to return the information of your authorized third party in one of the following ways: 

• Upload to your disaster account at DisasterAssistance.gov. Click “Check Status” on the home page and follow the instructions. You must create an online account to upload your documents electronically to FEMA.
• Mail to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055. 
• Fax to 800-827-8112. 

If your pre-disaster home is not accessible, you may meet the FEMA inspector at another location. 

If you have limited English proficiency, or you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can request translation services, a qualified sign language interpreter, or other accommodations for inspections. 

All FEMA inspectors are issued a badge identifying them as a FEMA contractor or employee.

In some cases, FEMA may conduct another inspection to validate losses, for example, you appealed FEMA’s determination. The appeal inspection will be done by a different inspector, not the same one who visited your residence the first time. FEMA makes every effort to ensure a fair and impartial assessment.

FEMA is still in Guam to support Typhoon Mawar survivors after the July 27 deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. You can visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, call 800-621-3362 (The Helpline is available24 hours a day/ 7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents), or stop by the Disaster Recovery Center at Guam Community College. Hours of operation at DRC: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, closed. 

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, please visit our website. 

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.